Plastic Surgery · Jaipur Hospital
Otoplasty (Ear Correction Surgery) in Jaipur
Ears that stick out or look uneven; assessment and a clear surgical plan at Jaipur Hospital.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 32 insurers
- Operation time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Anaesthesia
- Local or General anaesthesia
- Recovery
- Headband worn for 2 to 6 weeks
- Price
- ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
Ears that draw unwanted attention
My ears stick out or look uneven and it bothers me
Prominent or misshapen ears can cause self-consciousness and social discomfort for children and adults alike.
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Teasing at school
Children with prominent ears are often teased, which can affect confidence and self-image.
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Self-awareness as an adult
Adults who wear their hair short or pulled back may feel self-conscious about ear shape or size.
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Asymmetry between ears
Some individuals have protruding ears on just one side, creating facial imbalance.
Ear cartilage is too soft to hold stitches before age five, so surgery is usually delayed until ears have finished growing.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You worry about how your ears look in photos, at work, or when your child comes home upset from school.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for a plastic surgery consultation.
- 2 Surgeon examines ears, reviews scans, explains options.
- 3 Receive a cost estimate and schedule surgery.
- 4 Surgery done, headband worn, follow-up visits arranged.
How the operation is done
Surgery usually takes one to two hours under local or general anaesthesia. A small cut behind the ear allows the surgeon to reshape or remove cartilage and secure the ear closer to the head with stitches.
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Cartilage scoring
Mustarde or Converse technique uses sutures to reshape the cartilage without removing it.
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Cartilage excision
Excess conchal cartilage is removed to reduce projection and create a natural contour.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 1 Plastic Surgery consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 35 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about otoplasty outcomes
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1 to 2 hours
The operation typically takes one to two hours in an outpatient or daycare setting.
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2.5% haematoma rate
In a review of 3,493 patients, haematoma or bleeding occurred in about 2.5% of cases.
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Infection up to 10%
Infection rates across studies ranged from 0% to 10%, with most patients healing without complications.
If it is left untreated
Without treatment, prominent ears do not change on their own. Children may continue to face teasing that affects confidence, and adults may remain self-conscious in social or professional settings.
Life after treatment
Most people see ears that sit closer to the head with a natural shape and a scar hidden behind the ear.
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Balanced appearance
Ears usually look more symmetrical and proportionate to the face after healing.
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Improved confidence
Many patients report better self-esteem and less social discomfort once ears are corrected.
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Hidden scar
The incision behind the ear typically heals as a fine line that is hard to see.
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Return to routine
Most people resume school or work within a week and sports after four to six weeks.
Meet the team
Your plastic surgery doctors
Explore our plastic surgery hospital in Jaipur: every treatment, the doctors and what to expect at your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about otoplasty (ear correction surgery)
What does otoplasty involve?
In short
Otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital reshapes or repositions the ears through a small incision behind the ear. The surgeon accesses the cartilage and uses sutures or removes small pieces to bring the ears closer to the head. The operation usually takes one to two hours under local or general anaesthesia.
In detail
The procedure corrects prominent or misshapen ears by reshaping the cartilage framework. Techniques include cartilage scoring such as Mustarde or Converse methods, suture reshaping, or excision of excess conchal cartilage. A small cut behind the ear exposes the cartilage.
Stitches hold the ear in its new position or fix it to tissue behind the ear. The incision is closed and a protective dressing is applied.
Evidence shows the surgery typically lasts one to two hours and is performed as daycare or with one night stay. Scars are small and hidden behind the ear.
A common belief
Many people think the ears are pinned back with visible stitches on the outside.
What actually happens
In fact the incision is hidden behind the ear and the sutures are internal. The scar is usually not seen once healed.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will meet your surgeon for a consultation to discuss the shape of your ears and the planned technique. Pre-operative checks may include routine blood tests. On the day of surgery you will receive anaesthesia and the operation takes one to two hours.
A head bandage is worn for about a week followed by a lighter headband for two to six weeks. Most people return to work or school in five to seven days.
Which tests and scans do I need before otoplasty?
In short
Before otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital, routine pre-operative tests are usually required. These typically include a complete blood count, bleeding and clotting time, blood group, and basic metabolic panel. Your surgeon may also request a chest X-ray and ECG depending on your age and medical history.
In detail
Pre-operative testing ensures you are fit for anaesthesia and surgery. Evidence shows the consultation includes a review of your full medical history, medications, and allergies. Standard tests assess haemoglobin, infection markers, and clotting function to minimise bleeding risk.
If you have medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, additional tests may be needed. For children, the assessment focuses on general health and ear development. The anaesthesia team reviews all results before clearing you for surgery.
No special imaging of the ears is routinely needed; the surgeon examines the ears clinically and may take photographs for planning. The exact test list is tailored to your health profile and the type of anaesthesia planned.
A common belief
Patients often expect MRI or CT scans of the ears.
What actually happens
These are not routine. The surgeon plans the surgery by examining the ears directly and taking clinical photographs. Tests focus on anaesthesia safety, not ear imaging.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will receive a list of required tests when you book your surgery date. Most tests are done at the in-house diagnostic laboratory at Jaipur Hospital. Results are usually available within a day. The anaesthesia team reviews them before surgery.
What are the common side effects and the less common serious complications of otoplasty?
In short
Common side effects after otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital include swelling, bruising, throbbing discomfort, itching, and temporary numbness around the ears. These usually improve within the first few weeks. Less common serious complications include haematoma (blood clot under the skin), infection, cartilage inflammation, stitches surfacing through the skin, asymmetry, and the ears protruding again over time.
In detail
Published studies involving thousands of patients report haematoma or bleeding in about 2.5% of cases, while infection rates range from 0% to 10% depending on the series. Cartilage inflammation (chondritis) is rare but can lead to deformity if not treated promptly.
Stitches may become palpable or extrude, requiring removal in the clinic. Asymmetry can occur because each ear heals differently; minor differences are normal, but significant imbalance may need revision.
Recurrence of prominence is reported in a small percentage of patients, especially if the headband is not worn as directed. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes increase the risk of wound healing problems and infection.
A common belief
Many patients think asymmetry means the surgery failed.
What actually happens
Small differences between ears are normal because each side heals independently. However, a sudden painful swelling or pus discharge needs same-day medical attention. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes raise the chance of these complications.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Keep the bandage clean and dry, take all prescribed antibiotics and pain relief, and wear the headband day and night for the first week, then at night for up to six weeks.
Watch for increasing pain, redness, heat, discharge, or sudden swelling on one side; these need urgent review. Attend all follow-up appointments so the surgical team can check healing and remove any non-dissolvable stitches.
How long does recovery usually take after otoplasty?
In short
Recovery after otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital typically takes four to six weeks for most daily activities, although the ears continue to heal and settle for several months. The initial bandage stays on for about five to ten days, followed by a supportive headband worn day and night for the first week, then at night for up to six weeks. Children often return to school after one to two weeks; adults usually resume desk work within a week.
In detail
In the first week, swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Pain is usually mild to moderate and controlled with oral medication. By two weeks, most swelling has subsided and the ears look closer to their final position.
Contact sports, swimming, and heavy exercise are generally avoided for four to six weeks to protect the cartilage stitches. Studies show that ears may feel stiff for several months before becoming flexible again.
Final scar maturation behind the ear can take up to a year, but the scar is usually well hidden in the natural crease.
A common belief
Patients often think they can stop the headband once the bandage comes off.
What actually happens
Removing it too early, especially at night, lets the ears fold forward and can undo the stitches. The cartilage needs the full six weeks of night-time support to hold its new shape.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Follow the headband schedule strictly, especially at night, to prevent the ears from bending forward while you sleep. Keep the incision line clean and apply any prescribed ointment. Attend the follow-up visit for bandage and stitch removal. Avoid pulling clothes over your head; use button-down shirts.
Are my expectations realistic for my anatomy and health for otoplasty?
In short
Realistic expectations for otoplasty depend on your ear cartilage, skin quality, and overall health. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgeon assesses these factors during consultation. The goal is improvement and symmetry, not perfection. Most patients achieve a more natural ear position with scars hidden behind the ear.
In detail
Evidence shows otoplasty reshapes cartilage through scoring, suturing, or excision to bring ears closer to the head. Results vary because cartilage stiffness, skin thickness, and healing differ between people.
Children over five and adults can have surgery, but cartilage must be firm enough to hold sutures. Asymmetry may persist to a small degree. Complications such as recurrence, infection, or numbness can affect the final look. The surgeon will explain what your specific anatomy can achieve and any limits based on medical history, including smoking.
A common belief
People often expect perfectly identical ears, but cartilage stiffness, skin thickness, and healing vary.
What actually happens
Small asymmetries can remain. Complications like recurrence or numbness can also change the result. The surgeon evaluates your specific anatomy to explain what is realistically possible.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring photos of ears you like and a list of concerns to your consultation. The surgeon will examine your ears, discuss achievable outcomes, and note any health factors that affect healing. You will receive a clear picture of the likely result.
How will appearance, function, and realistic expectations be discussed for otoplasty?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, the consultation for otoplasty covers three areas: the appearance changes you want, whether ear function such as hearing is affected, and what results are realistic for your anatomy. The surgeon examines your ears, measures protrusion and asymmetry, and listens to your concerns. You will receive a clear explanation of the surgical technique, the likely outcome and the limits of what surgery can achieve.
In detail
Evidence shows that otoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure focused on reshaping the external ear. It does not change hearing, because the middle and inner ear are not touched.
The surgeon will explain how cartilage scoring, suturing or excision reshapes the antihelical fold and reduces conchal show. Realistic expectations include improved symmetry and a natural-looking setback, not perfect mathematical symmetry or a drastic size reduction beyond what the tissue allows.
The discussion also covers recovery time, headband wear, scar maturation and the small risk of recurrence or asymmetry. If you have a medical condition such as a bleeding disorder or you smoke, the surgeon will explain how that affects safety and healing.
A common belief
Some patients expect the surgeon to simply 'pin the ears back' without a detailed talk.
What actually happens
In reality, the surgeon must assess cartilage stiffness, skin quality and natural asymmetry, then explain the technique and its limits. The conversation also covers recovery, headband use, scar healing and the small chance of recurrence. This ensures you give informed consent.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring any photos of ear shapes you like and a list of questions. The surgeon will outline the plan, explain the likely result, and give you time to decide. You will receive written post-operative instructions before surgery.
Why might my doctor recommend otoplasty?
In short
Your doctor may recommend otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital if your ears stick out prominently, are asymmetrical, or have a shape that causes you distress. The surgery aims to create a more balanced appearance and can improve self-esteem. It is usually considered when the ears have finished growing, typically after age five.
In detail
Otoplasty is recommended for structural concerns such as protruding ears, asymmetry between the two ears, or congenital differences in shape and size. Evidence shows that prominent ears or deformities caused by genetics or trauma can lead to self-consciousness and social discomfort.
Children with prominent ears are often teased at school which can affect confidence. Adults who wear their hair short or pulled back may also be self-aware of ear shape.
The surgery is elective and aims to achieve a more symmetrical appearance and restore confidence in the facial profile. The cosmetic benefits can improve psychological well-being. Your surgeon will assess cartilage structure and ear shape to determine if surgery is appropriate.
A common belief
Some think otoplasty is only for children.
What actually happens
Adults also choose it when ear shape affects their confidence, especially with short hair. The surgery is not about vanity but about reducing self-consciousness.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you are bothered by the appearance of your ears, schedule a consultation at Jaipur Hospital. The surgeon will examine your ears, discuss your goals, and explain what the surgery can achieve.
You will learn about anaesthesia options, recovery timelines, and the typical cost range of fifty thousand to one lakh fifty thousand rupees.
How should I prepare in the days before otoplasty?
In short
In the days before otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital, you should stop medications that increase bleeding risk such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements. Smokers should stop smoking well in advance to improve healing. Arrange for an attendant to take you home after surgery as you will be sedated.
In detail
Preparation focuses on reducing surgical risks and ensuring smooth recovery. Evidence shows you may be asked to stop any medication that could increase bleeding chances. This includes blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal products like ginkgo or garlic supplements.
Smoking impairs wound healing and increases complication risk, so quitting before surgery is strongly advised. You should wash your hair the night before or morning of surgery as you cannot wash it while the head bandage is in place.
Wear loose, front-button clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head. Follow fasting instructions if general anaesthesia is planned. The hospital will provide specific written instructions tailored to your anaesthesia type and surgery time.
A common belief
Many people forget they cannot pull a shirt over their head after surgery.
What actually happens
Front-button or zip-up tops are essential. Also, stopping herbal supplements is often overlooked but they can increase bleeding just like prescription blood thinners.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Complete your pre-operative tests and share all medications with your surgeon. Stop advised medicines and supplements at least one to two weeks before surgery. Arrange for an attendant to accompany you and drive you home. Prepare loose clothing and plan for a few days off work or school.
What factors could make otoplasty riskier for me?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, factors that can increase risk include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, use of blood-thinning medicines, previous ear surgery or trauma, and cartilage that is very thin or scarred. Age under five years is a relative contraindication because the ear cartilage is still soft and growing. Your surgeon assesses each factor during the consultation.
In detail
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and cartilage, raising the chance of wound breakdown, infection, and poor healing; you are usually asked to stop several weeks before and after surgery. Diabetes impairs immune response and collagen formation, so HbA1c levels are optimised pre-operatively.
High blood pressure can cause bleeding during dissection, increasing haematoma risk. Blood thinners may need bridging therapy. Previous surgery or injury creates scar tissue that makes cartilage dissection harder and less predictable.
In children, operating before the ear has reached near-adult size (around age five to six) can lead to distortion as the ear grows. Published data show haematoma rates around 2.5% and infection up to 10% in higher-risk groups.
A common belief
A common mistake is stopping blood thinners on your own or hiding a smoking habit.
What actually happens
Both can lead to dangerous bleeding or wound breakdown. The surgical team needs the full picture to adjust medicines, choose the right anaesthesia, and time the operation safely.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Be ready to share your full medical history, current medicines, and any previous ear procedures. If you smoke, plan to quit at least four weeks before surgery. Bring recent blood sugar and blood pressure records. The anaesthesia team will decide between local or general anaesthesia based on your health.
Which symptoms are expected after otoplasty, and which need urgent medical attention?
In short
Expected symptoms after otoplasty at Jaipur Hospital include throbbing or aching ears, swelling, bruising, itching, numbness, and a feeling of tightness from the bandage. These usually peak in the first three days and improve steadily. Urgent symptoms are sudden severe pain on one side, rapid swelling, bleeding that soaks the dressing, fever above 38°C, pus or foul-smelling discharge, and stitches poking through the skin.
In detail
Mild to moderate pain, bruising around the ears and sometimes the cheeks, and temporary numbness are normal inflammatory responses. The bandage may feel tight, especially when lying down. Itching often signals healing.
Warning signs of haematoma include one ear becoming much more swollen and painful than the other within hours. Infection presents with spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, and fever. Cartilage inflammation (chondritis) is rare but causes deep ear pain and deformity if untreated.
Extruding stitches can be trimmed in the clinic but should be reported promptly. Published series report haematoma in about 2.5% of cases and infection in up to 10%.
A common belief
Some patients wait days with a hot, swollen ear thinking it is just bruising.
What actually happens
A haematoma or cartilage infection can destroy the new ear shape within hours. Early drainage or antibiotics save the result. Never ignore a fever or one ear that suddenly becomes much worse than the other.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Take pain relief regularly for the first 48 hours. Keep the head elevated on two pillows. Do not remove or wet the bandage. If you notice any urgent symptom, call the hospital emergency number or visit the 24×7 emergency department at Jaipur Hospital immediately. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about otoplasty (ear correction surgery)
When you contact us
Get your ear assessment and plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for a plastic surgery consultation, in-house tests if needed, a clear explanation of options, a cost estimate, cashless insurance help, and follow-up care.
- A consultation with a plastic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Otoplasty (Ear Correction Surgery): what to know
What otoplasty (ear correction surgery) is
Otoplasty is surgery to change the shape, size or position of the outer ear. It is often called ear pinning because the most common reason is to bring protruding ears closer to the head. The outer ear is made of cartilage covered by skin.
When the natural folds of the cartilage do not form fully, or when the bowl of the ear (the concha) is too deep, the ear sticks out more than usual. Surgery reshapes the cartilage and uses stitches to hold the ear in a new position.
The operation is usually done through a small cut behind the ear so any scar is hidden. It is an elective procedure, which means you choose to have it for appearance rather than for a medical emergency.
Symptoms and when to seek urgent care
- Increasing redness or warmth
- Pus from the wound
- Sudden increase in pain
- Bleeding that soaks the bandage
The condition itself does not cause pain or illness. The main concern is the appearance of the ears: they may stick out, look uneven, or have an unusual shape such as a folded rim (lop ear) or a missing curve (shell ear). Some people feel self-conscious, avoid tying their hair back, or are teased, especially during childhood.
After surgery, it is normal to have throbbing, itching, swelling, bruising or a sore throat from the anaesthetic tube for a few days. Contact the hospital on the same day if you notice increasing redness, warmth, pus, a sudden increase in pain, or bleeding that soaks the bandage, as these can signal infection or a blood clot (haematoma).
Causes and who is more likely to have prominent ears
Prominent or misshapen ears are usually present from birth. They run in families, so genetics is the main factor. The cartilage may not fold properly during development, or the concha may be larger than average. Injury or previous surgery can also change the shape of the ear.
In babies, the cartilage is very soft, which is why splinting can work early on. By about age five the ears have reached most of their adult size and the cartilage is firm enough to hold stitches, which is why surgery is usually offered from that age onward.
Adults of any age can have the procedure, but smokers are asked to stop before and after surgery because smoking slows healing and raises the risk of complications.
How the condition is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination. At the consultation your surgeon looks at the size, shape and position of both ears, checks the cartilage framework, and notes any asymmetry. Photographs are taken for the medical record and for surgical planning. No special scans or blood tests are needed for the diagnosis itself.
The surgeon will also ask about your general health, medicines, allergies and any previous ear surgery or trauma. If you take medicines that increase bleeding risk, you may be advised to stop them before the operation.
Non-surgical options and when surgery is advised
For newborns up to about six months old, ear splints can mould the soft cartilage and may avoid the need for surgery later. After this window the cartilage hardens and splinting no longer works. There are no medicines, exercises or devices that can permanently change the shape of the ear in older children or adults.
Surgery is advised when the appearance of the ears causes distress, affects confidence, or when a structural difference such as a very small (cupped) ear or an injured ear needs reconstruction.
The decision is made after discussing the expected change, the recovery period, and the small but real risks of complications such as infection, asymmetry, numbness or the ear starting to protrude again.
Preparing for otoplasty (ear correction surgery)
Do
- Stop blood-thinning medicines
- Stop smoking several weeks before
- Wear a front-button shirt
Avoid
- Avoid pulling clothes over your head
Before the operation you will meet your surgeon in the OPD. The surgeon will examine your ears, take measurements and photographs, and discuss what you hope to achieve. You will be asked about your full medical history, including any medicines you take, allergies and previous surgery.
If you take blood-thinning medicines or supplements that can increase bleeding, your surgeon will tell you when to stop them. Smoking slows healing, so you will be advised to stop several weeks before and after surgery.
If general anaesthesia is planned, you will have routine blood tests and possibly an ECG or chest X-ray in our in-house laboratory and radiology department. You must not eat or drink for at least six hours before the operation. For local anaesthesia, a light meal is usually allowed.
Wear a loose shirt or top that buttons at the front so you do not have to pull it over your head afterwards. Bring an attendant who can stay with you and take you home. If you are having daycare surgery, arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
On the day of surgery you will be admitted to the daycare ward or a room. The nursing team will check your consent form, mark the surgical site and give you a hospital gown. The anaesthetist will see you to confirm the anaesthesia plan. Your surgeon will review the plan and the markings with you before you go to the modular operation theatre.
How otoplasty (ear correction surgery) is done
- Incision behind the ear Small cut where ear meets head
- Expose and reshape cartilage Scoring, sutures or excision
- Close skin with stitches Dissolvable or removable after a week
- Apply protective dressing and head bandage Supports ears in new position
Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage of the outer ear so that it lies closer to the head or looks more symmetrical. The operation usually takes one to two hours.
The surgeon makes a small cut behind the ear where it meets the head. Through this incision the cartilage is exposed. The technique used depends on the shape of your ears and what needs correction. Your surgeon will advise which approach suits you.
- Cartilage scoring or suture reshaping (Mustarde or Converse technique): the cartilage is weakened or folded with long-term stitches to create or deepen the natural folds and hold the ear in a new position.
- Cartilage excision: a small piece of the conchal cartilage is removed if the bowl of the ear is too deep or large.
Often a combination of these steps is used. The skin is then closed with stitches, which may be dissolvable or may need removal after a week. A protective dressing and a bandage around the head are applied to support the ears in their new position.
Anaesthesia is either local with sedation or general, depending on your age, the complexity of the correction and your preference. Children usually have general anaesthesia; adults often have local anaesthesia.
The procedure is done in our modular operation theatre. After surgery you are moved to the recovery area where nurses monitor you until you are fully awake. Most patients go home the same day; some stay one night for observation.
Risks and possible complications of otoplasty, and how often they happen in studies
- about 2.5% Haematoma or bleeding
- 0% to 15.6% Infection
Otoplasty is generally a safe operation, but like any surgery it carries risks. Your surgeon will discuss the ones that apply to you.
Common early effects include swelling, bruising, throbbing, itching and numbness around the ears. These usually settle within a few days to weeks.
In studies the rate of haematoma (a blood clot under the skin) or bleeding was about 2.5%. Infection rates ranged from 0% to 15.6% across different series.
Other possible complications include:
- Stitches that come to the surface or make the ear feel tender.
- Inflammation of the ear cartilage.
- Stiff ears that take several months to become flexible again.
- Asymmetry between the two ears, or the ears starting to protrude again.
- Unfavourable scarring behind the ear.
- Changes in skin sensation.
- Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result.
Choosing an experienced surgeon and following aftercare instructions help reduce these risks. If you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, bleeding or fever, contact the hospital immediately.
Recovery and aftercare after otoplasty: first days, first weeks, when to call the hospital
- Day 5 to 10 First bandage removed, stitches out if needed
- Day 5 to 7 Return to school or desk work
- Week 2 to 4 Heavier exercise and sports can resume
- Week 3 to 4 Swimming allowed once wounds fully healed
- Week 8 Contact sports may resume
After surgery you will wake up with a bulky head bandage. Keep it clean and dry. You will not be able to wash your hair until the bandage is removed.
You may feel drowsy or nauseated from the anaesthesia. Your throat may be sore if you had a breathing tube. Pain is usually mild to moderate and is managed with tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, or prescribed medication if needed.
Most people stay in the recovery room for a few hours and then go home the same day. You must have someone drive you and stay with you for the first night.
The first bandage is usually removed after 5 to 10 days. If non-dissolvable stitches were used, they are taken out at this visit. A lighter headband replaces the bulky dressing.
You will wear this headband day and night for about a week, then only at night for several more weeks (typically up to six weeks in total) to protect the ears while you sleep.
You can gently wash your face and hair after the first bandage comes off. Sleep on your back and avoid clothes that pull over the head.
Return to school or desk work is usually possible after 5 to 7 days. Light exercise and walking can start straight away; heavier exercise and sports should wait 2 to 4 weeks. Swimming is usually allowed after 3 to 4 weeks once wounds are fully healed. Contact sports should wait about 8 weeks.
It can take up to a year for all swelling to disappear and the ears to feel completely normal, though most swelling goes within three months.
Call the hospital or your surgeon if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge, fever, or if the bandage feels too tight or comes loose.
Results of otoplasty: how well it works and how often the problem comes back
The aim of otoplasty is to create ears that look more symmetrical and lie closer to the head, giving a balanced facial appearance.
In studies, most patients are highly satisfied with the improved symmetry and reduced prominence. Final results become visible as swelling subsides and the ear settles into its new position over several weeks.
Scars are small and hidden behind the ear, making them virtually invisible once healed.
The correction is usually long-lasting. In a small number of cases the ears may start to protrude again, which may need a revision procedure. Recurrence rates vary in published series but are generally low when the cartilage is adequately reshaped and supported during healing.
Many patients report improved self-esteem and psychological well-being after surgery, especially children who were teased about their ears.
Cost and insurance for otoplasty in Jaipur
The typical price range for otoplasty in India is ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000. The final cost depends on whether one or both ears are operated on, the complexity of the correction, the type of anaesthesia (local or general), and whether you stay as a daycase or overnight.
Otoplasty is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, so most health insurance policies do not cover it. Coverage may be possible if the surgery corrects a functional problem or a congenital deformity that affects hearing.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and a panel of private insurers and TPAs. If you think your case may qualify for coverage, bring your scheme card and policy documents to the OPD so our billing team can check eligibility and pre-authorisation requirements.
We do not provide package prices or written estimates in this document. Please ask at the OPD reception for a personalised estimate based on your surgeon's plan.
